PHOTO: IAEA head Amano (right) with chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi
Both Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency are hailing a positive meeting on Monday over inspections and supervision of Tehran’s nuclear program.
The IAEA’s Director General, Yukiya Amano, praised a “short but useful visit”, his first to the Islamic Republic since an interim nuclear agreement between Iran and the 5+1 Powers last November: “I was very glad to hear from the highest levels a firm commitment to the implementation of the Framework for Cooperation, and to resolve all present and past issues through dialogue and cooperation with the IAEA.”
Amano held talks with President Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, and the Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi.
Iran and the IAEA agreed guidelines in November and February for inspections of key nuclear facilities, including uranium mines, the under-construction Arak heavy-water reactor, and uranium enrichment plants. Tehran also said it would provide information on components that the West has alleged could be used for an atomic bomb, including exploding bridge wire detonators.
Iranian media highlight Sunday statements by President Rouhani and Salehi trying to draw firm lines on the cooperation, as well as any discussions with the 5+1 Powers (US, Britain, China, Russia, France, and Germany).
Rouhani ruled out any inclusion of ballistic missiles in the nuclear talks, “Iran’s missile power cannot undergo negotiation at all and at any level,” while calling for recogntion of a significant civilian program of uranium enrichment and lifting of all sanctions.
He said, “Undoubtedly, reaching a comprehensive agreement can be a win-win game for both sides and will help further peace and stability in the region and the world, and Iran’s further and more effective relations with the world.”
Salehi referred specifically to the detonators, calling for closure of the issue.
Western powers have recurrently used the detonators as part of attempts to include “possible military dimensions”, with inspection of military facilities, in an agreement with Iran.
Iran and the 5+1 Powers are looking to resume talks on a comprehensive nuclear agreement in the autumn, with interim arrangements due to expire on November 24.
However, the process has been beset in the past week by criticism from the Supreme Leader that discussions with the US were “useless”.